Story by Micaela Arnett / June 3, 2025

For Richmond natives Larry and Linda Terry, their dream of building a new custom home in Charleston was about far more than relocation. Their goals centered on a forever home that blended seamlessly into the Lowcountry landscape, while accommodating their treasured heirlooms, collections, and lifestyle, both now and in the future as they grow older. Finding the right builder for such a personal project was paramount. After meeting with Kevin Kalman of Kalman Construction, their decision was solidified. “With his references, we met folks he had built for, and they had nothing but wonderful things to say about him,” they recall.

Having built a home before, they understood the challenges, especially since they were seven hours away from the site. Kalman’s straightforward, problem-solving approach and constant communication made all the difference. “He never dismissed an idea. Instead, he would say, ‘That’s a great idea’ or ‘Let’s think about how we can make it work.” Richmond architect, Josh McCullar, drew the plans to fit the setting and Lowcountry aesthetic, and Kalman Construction adapted them to fit the budget. The couple aimed to ensure the home felt like it had always been there rather than appearing trendy or new. “The house was designed around our antiques and collections from our travels,” they explain, “We didn’t have to buy much new, but built around what we already had.”